Lincoln pupils take a really big LEAP

July 07, 2006|LISA KOCHANOWSKI Tribune Correspondent

The school year is long gone, but a program at Lincoln Primary Center had a lasting effect on pupils. Zeai Walls is adamant about the LEAP program at Lincoln. "I liked it a lot," said Zeai, who as a third-grader at Lincoln participated in the school's Literacy Enrichment After-School Program for the first time. "I learned how to read better and above my grade level, which is awesome," Zeai said. She and 29 other children worked after school throughout the school year to improve their reading skills. Guided by tutors, the children learned how to not only read at their current grade level but beyond. Karen Harris-Lax, the site coordinator, said the tutoring program "allows extra reading comprehension." The students performed an end-of-the-year showcase where they had the chance to show their parents what they learned. One group did an all-about-the-alphabet program, another group did a sign language presentation and some students participated in a physical fitness program where they could show off their athletic talents. Also, there was a choreographed dance presentation by one group of students, and another group of students acted out a book called "Blackout." At the end of the showcase, all the students received certificates of achievement that all had first-place ribbons attached. "Everybody got a first-place ribbon because every time you read you are a first-place winner," said Lax. Tayonia Washington, who participated in the program as a second-grader, enjoyed dancing in the showcase. "It was fun this year," she said of LEAP. "I learned sign language." Lax credits the success of this year's program to the dedication of her tutors. "I've been blessed with a good staff," said Lax. One thing important to Lax this year was to make sure to get the parents deeply involved with the progress of their children. She even had three parents speak at the end of the showcase about the changes they saw in their children throughout the year. "When children know that their parents are interested in their education, they always do better," said Lax.